- Time of past OR future Camino
- Porto Sept 2023
I borrowed a back pack for my Camino last month. It was 30+ degrees every day so the pack got pretty sweaty. I’d like to wash it before returning it. Any tips? Just soak it in a soapy bath tub?
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That's what I do. However, using some specialist washing solution/waterproofer as suggested by @Bradypus seems like a good idea.Just soak it in a soapy bath tub?
What about when your backpack has been shut up in the overhead locker of a plane for 25 hours?...the bag still passes the sniff test ;-)
I wash my pack after every Camino. In good weather I soap and hose it down on the driveway, but most recently I washed it in the bathtub in warm soapy water.
I think the OP's point is that they would like to return a borrowed pack to its owner in a clean and tidy condition. I'm certainly more careful with borrowed or rented gear than I am with my own stuff!I leave my pack in the garage after use where it stays until the next camino. Always seems OK……….
This one was a little stinky at times although it may have been my dirty laundry. Just knowing how soaked in sweat the straps were most days, I don’t feel right returning it as is.Wash my pack? This forum is full of new ideas for me lol. I honestly just spot wash really grubby splotches. The dirt I call patina and wear it as a badge of honour. It sits alongside my carefully stitched on patches that cover spots that were wearing through. Come to think of it, the dirt might be holding the bag together. We wouldn’t want it to fall apart now, would we?!View attachment 159554
PS the bag still passes the sniff test ;-)
I have washed my pack twice (after 2 Camino Frances) and it still looks fine. I soaked it in the bathtub using Woolite, then rinsed twice, then hung it upside down until it was dry. Good Luck!I borrowed a back pack for my Camino last month. It was 30+ degrees every day so the pack got pretty sweaty. I’d like to wash it before returning it. Any tips? Just soak it in a soapy bath tub?
I borrowed a back pack for my Camino last month. It was 30+ degrees every day so the pack got pretty sweaty. I’d like to wash it before returning it. Any tips? Just soak it in a soapy bath tub?
You should be able to find NikWax pack soap at your nearest MEC or maybe Canadian Tire. Follow the directions.I borrowed a back pack for my Camino last month. It was 30+ degrees every day so the pack got pretty sweaty. I’d like to wash it before returning it. Any tips? Just soak it in a soapy bath tub?
Nope, from 10+ years experience of washing my Osprey backpacks. Please read my reply.
First, take care of any deep stains. Sometimes just water with some gentle brushing will do but I have also used a spot remover. Then, if it fits, put in the washer on delicate with a low sudsing detergent. A Nixwax wash will also do but it's more costly. However, I do then use the Nixwax waterproofing after it has been washed. Hang dry. If storing for awhile, after drying I will put a dryer sheet in each zippered pocket. Helps keep it smelling nice and will absorb minor dampness. Change the sheets when you think about it.I borrowed a back pack for my Camino last month. It was 30+ degrees every day so the pack got pretty sweaty. I’d like to wash it before returning it. Any tips? Just soak it in a soapy bath tub?
That is what I do, too. It comes out clean and happy (I and backpack feel the same way I think).For years I have taken two packs to a commercial laundromat. Find one of the oversized load machines and lay the packs in straight. I have all the buckles fastened. Wash on cold. Remove and air dry. It has worked every time without damage to the packs. We have 35 and 40 liter packs.
Hang up on clothes line and hose it down. Use dish soap as well.I borrowed a back pack for my Camino last month. It was 30+ degrees every day so the pack got pretty sweaty. I’d like to wash it before returning it. Any tips? Just soak it in a soapy bath tub?
Osprey recommends using NikWax, at least on their packs - Just sayin. See this link - https://www.osprey.com/gb/how-to-clean-your-osprey-backpackI have used and washed sweaty, dirty Osprey and Camelbak backpacks for over 10 years. This is what works for me. I have backpacks of different sizes that I have used that are over 10 years old. They still look new.
Remove anything from the pockets.
Zip shut all pockets, leaving about 1 inch unzipped.
Cinch down any straps.
Connect any strap connectors.
LG front loading HE washer:
Launder on normal with jeans or other heavy materials.
Select cold water.
Select double rinse.
Add non-bleach HE laundry detergent. (I like Tide pods for really dirty laundry, and use eco-friendly for all other laundry. My backpacks are really dirty after use.)
Add 1 cup white vinegar for stinky laundry atop the laundry inside the washer.
Do not add fabric softener.
After the washing is complete, hang the backpack with one of its loops on a hanger.
It will be dry 24-36 hours later, depending on your climate.
I borrowed my sister’s 28L Osprey. It was rainy and muddy on the CF when I walked. I got to the point of not caring if I put it down on a clean or dry spot. Upon return I tried to spot clean it and then I just put it in a gentle cycle of my front loading washer. We had Nikwax cleaning solution followed by Nikwax waterproofing stuff. I returned it looking and smelling new. Everyone was happy.
Buen Camino
PS I bought my own backpack and who knows if I’ll wash it after my 2024 Camino View attachment 159667
I've washed my old ack several times over it's 12+ year life. It's pretty easy. First, make sure it is completely empty. Second, Fill a bathtub with a few inches of warm water with a little bit of a gentle detergent. I use Woolite laundry detergent. Third, move the pack around in the soapy water for a few minutes water. the water should get dirty as the pack is cleaned. Finally, empty the tub and fill it with clean warm water and swirle the pack for few minutes to rinse the soap out of the pack. The water will probably get dirty again as more dirt is removed. Repeat until you are satisfied that the soap is completely rinsed out. Usually about 3 times. Then hang the ack up to dry. I usually hang it in the shower with a fan blowing on it. It should be dry in about 12-24 hours.I borrowed a back pack for my Camino last month. It was 30+ degrees every day so the pack got pretty sweaty. I’d like to wash it before returning it. Any tips? Just soak it in a soapy bath tub?
Not my current backpack, but a previous one I realised was grimy (I was actively looking for grimy things).I borrowed a back pack for my Camino last month. It was 30+ degrees every day so the pack got pretty sweaty. I’d like to wash it before returning it. Any tips? Just soak it in a soapy bath tub?
In my experience it is better not to rinse after using NikWax as doing so rinses the waterproofing away - DYou should be able to find NikWax pack soap at your nearest MEC or maybe Canadian Tire. Follow the directions.
Basically, you use NikWax to handwash your soiled pack in a bathtub with warm water. You can agitate the pack with your hands. Work on stains with a kitchen/laundry brush after the bag is well soaked.
Rinse using a shower. A hand-held shower is great for this.
Air dry after draining all water. I use a towel to soak up as much water as I can.
This actually works.
Hope it helps,
Tom
We washed ours at a commercial laundry also in a hot (60 degree) wash to kill off bedbugs. Our tough bags came out intact and gleamingFor years I have taken two packs to a commercial laundromat. Find one of the oversized load machines and lay the packs in straight. I have all the buckles fastened. Wash on cold. Remove and air dry. It has worked every time without damage to the packs. We have 35 and 40 liter packs.
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